Bettens qualified beyond ‘first blush’

The Post has questioned — “at first blush” — the qualifications of Mark Bettens, Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke’s executive assistant (Duly appointed, Dec. 15). I believe Bettens’s credentials need more than a first blush overview before he is judged.

Bettens is a firefighter, which indicates something about his character. I want people with strong character in public positions.

As a firefighter, Bettens has represented the International Association of Fire Fighters for many years, working to develop federal legislation for the benefit of all firefighters. Frankly, I would think this national involvement within the union would be very useful experience.

Also, since Bettens is a municipal employee, he would bring insight into how the Cape Breton Regional Municipality operates, which is important knowledge to have while working with the councillors and other levels of government, helping our mayor move the CBRM forward.

Bettens has also been instrumental with his family business. Operating a business is always a challenge, especially in Cape Breton. As we all know, small businesses generate employment opportunities, which is another facet of Bettens’s resume that will come in useful when dealing with the different levels of government.

Bettens has had a lifelong interest in politics, volunteering his time for conventions, leadership races, and provincial and federal elections. Volunteering for more than 30 years in politics does give you insight into how politics and policy works. Again, this is useful experience for the position of the mayor’s executive assistant.

Frankly, I find it refreshing to have this important role filled by one who brings union, business, political, volunteer and CBRM experience to the mayor’s office.

I have known Bettens for many years. If I did not feel he would be able to effectively fill this role, I would not be writing this letter.

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Monica

December 21, 2012 - 11:22

I am blown away that this sort of thing can happen. As a young person, I believed the political system was for us, especially the municipality but instead they are using it to take care of their friends.

I don't necessarily disagree with he positions because it may improve the CBRM. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money . However I do have a problem with they way they were filled.The jobs should have been advertised to ensure the best person was hired for each job. I think we should wait and see what Clark can do the the CBRM before we bash him.
To Viola I hope you are never in need of a fire fighter then maybe after they save your negative @$$ you may have a different opinion on our local fire fighters. I am not a fire fighter but know several people who are alive today because of the heroic work they do.Shame on you for bashing those who put their lives on the line every time they have to walk into a burning building.

I don't care if the gentlemen is more qualified than any other person on the planet - the position should not have been "created." Cecil starts out by putting the CBRM more in debt with two highly inflated salaries....disgusted. You hear that, Communications person? Disgusted in the whole thing.

Just another stirring of the Political pot.
@Viola:
You're concerned that the firemen get paid too much? Better to do your complaining about those old cronies in the Canadian Senate getting big bucks for what they do.
Firemen are worth every dime they get. Who cares that they sleep or whatever else they do on shift, as long as they're there when the time comes to save a life or someone's dwelling. Don't fire stations in most cities have sleeping quarters? In my opinion saving just 1 life by far out weighs what they earn.
I'll bet you wouldn't have such a negative opinion if it was you or a family member calling on them in time of need.

CBRM just took a big step backward. Just goes to show all the bragging by clark and his people that he is not the person for the job,when he has to hire advisors.Maybe c cbrm should contract out the job of running this municipality

You're judging a man that you may have never met, or don't know altogether. I think that's very unfair. To S MacNeil: If Rankin had of won the election do you think he would of taken on someone he didn't know and trust? It's not a job that you're going to hand off to some stranger that is supposed to help you with your duties. Give the man a chance.

Zero stars for this letter. This "appointment" isn't about the man (who might be the greatest guy in CB-don't know him) , it's about the optics of appointing someone(anyone) to a created from thin air position and then handing to a Tory friendly individual et al. This has carpet burned quite a few people in CB. Your fawning fan-boy letter seems to be a whitewash sidestepping that hot potato issue. Politics is all about optics.

What a joke! Say what you may about Morgan, he would never have created these useless positions with all the dept that we have. Adding 150 000 a year in salaries for Clarkes buddies is shameful. Where were all the big mouth councillors when Clarke proposed this.....where are they now.... I have watched our cbrm meetings on the tv and im positive that I heard a few councillors speak a time or two. Where were their voices when these jobs were proposed...and where are their big mouthes now....huh hiding propbly.... id hide my head too if I was Clarke and cbrm Councillors!!!

Mr. Kerr Thanks for the character reference,however he is in no way qualified for this position other than being polittically connected.In my opinion if he was of the character you say that he is he would not accept these glad tidings from his good friend Cecil.This whole issue has been revolting since Clarke TOLD COUNCIL HIS INTENTIONS.

Just another example of the political machine working. i did not support Clarke as history had shown has political connections which would have to be looked after. Mr Bettens has nothing going for him except political connections and people who want to ride on his coat tails.

Obviously I have too much time on my hands!
I don't know Bettens so I will not comment on the man. Mr Kerr shares with us his opinion, which I will respect however, he expects me to assume alot. Just because Mr Bettens is a firefighter, doesn't automatically make him of upstanding quality. Firefighters are generally more respected and trusted than people in other professions but I've known bad firefighters. Just because he gets a pay cheque from the municiplaity doesn't automatically make his a whiz on municipal government either.

Give me a break! The postion should have been posted and open to all who are qualified to apply. There are many residents who are just as qualified as Bettens. Mr. Kerr must think it is ok to hand people jobs. I wonder if he would have the same opinion if Rankin MacSween had been successful and became mayor. My opinion he wouldn't and the letter may have read much differently.

I presume Bettens has no university education because these Conservatives defending him would have said so if he did. Council approved this as a "policy adviser" so how could he perform that function without any education? This seems like just a payback for political loyalty.

While I find the obvious patronage revolting, it is particularly problematic to have a municipal employee directly involved with Council in this way. He will often be involved in conflicts of interest when wages or employment decisions are being made because they impact him and his friends financial situation. The paid firefighters are the most overpaid and underworked of all the CBRM staff and this will likely continue with this hiring. Keep in mind that these fireman demand to have beds installed where ever they work so they can nap through their shifts. I guess there will now be a cot installed at the Mayors office.

This sure is a positive thought for our young people who have gone to College and received a BBA or another Degree, that they should have just Volunteered and they would have received a patronage job instead, I personally would like to know 1 thing, does he have any education for this job, i.e. Grade 12 or University?